Understanding Women’s Views on Mining: The Case of the Winemakers of Adams

Abstract

Mining causes displacement and marginalization of affected communities, especially those comprised of indigenous peoples (IPs). However, it is very rare for the local people, the IPs specifically, to say no to such. The municipality of Adams, Ilocos Norte is one of those that curiously have been able to withstand the entry of mining corporations. Interestingly, those who were able to get the LGU to say no to it were the local women engaged in making local wines. This study is about understanding the views of the local women winemakers of Adams on mining. It contends that winemakers’ view of their environment, their forest in particular as source of livelihood, as a home and a source of identity for them. These shaped their view on mining as threats to their resources intensified by media representations of mining highlighting the experiences of other host mining communities facing social and environmental adverse effects of such development projects. The LGU’s program on eco-tourism, promoting Adams as an eco-tourist destination supported the winemakers’ opposition on the entry of mining in the municipality.